Zachary Quinto and Simon Pegg respond to George Takei’s ‘dissapointment’ over gay Star Trek character
Earlier this week we reported that Sulu from the Star Trek is gay.
Shortly after the news George Takei, who played Sulu in the original 1980’s Star Trek run, said he was “disappointed” that Sulu was gay.
But now Simon Pegg and Zachary Quinto have spoken out over Takei’s reaction.
Simon Pegg, who stars and wrote the upcoming Star Trek film, responded to Takei’s criticism in a statement for the Guardian.
Pegg said, “I have huge love and respect for George Takei, his heart, courage and humour are an inspiration. However, with regards to his thoughts on our Sulu, I must respectfully disagree with him.”
He continues, saying that they should have featured an LGBT character much earlier in the series.
“He’s right, it is unfortunate, it’s unfortunate that the screen version is the most inclusive, tolerant universe in science fiction hasn’t featured an LGBT character util now.”
“We could have introduced a new gay character, but he or she would have been primarily defined by their sexuality, seen as the ‘gay character’, rather than simply for who they are, and isn’t that tokenism.”
“It’s also important to note that at no point do we suggest that our Sulu was ever closeted, why would be he need to be? It’s just hasn’t come up before.”
He ends the statement by saying, “Whatever dimension we inhabit, we all just want to be loved by those we love (and I love George Takei). I can’t speak for every reality but that must surely true of this one. Live long and prosper.”
Zachary Quinto has also responded to Takei and, speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, said, “I was disappointed by the fact that George was disappointed.”
“I get it that he’s had his own personal journey and has his own personal relationship with this character but, you know, as we established in the first Star Trek film in 2009, we’ve created an alternate universe.”sim
“”My hope is that George can be strengthened by the enormously positive response from especially young people who are heartened by and inspired by this really tasteful and beautiful portrayal of something that think is gaining acceptance and inclusion in our societies across the world, and should be.”
Whatever they think about Sulu, Star Trek Beyond hits cinemas July 22.
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